Community & Library Services Commission

Community Services Commission City of Huntington Beach Wednesday, August 12, 2020 2000 Main Street 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting Huntington Beach, CA 92648 MINUTES Council Chambers, Lower Level STAFF: COMMISSIONERS: CHRIS SLAMA, Community Services Director JAY KREITZ, Chair FARHAD BOLOURCHI, Development Coordinator JOE CARCHIO, Commissioner CHARLENE GOMEZ, Administrative Secretary LISA KEMMERER, Commissioner JANIS MANTINI, Commissioner REV. JAMES PIKE, Commissioner KRISTA STERUD, Commissioner DICK THIEL, Commissioner SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING COVID-19 On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19. On March 17, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20 which allows a local legislative body to hold public meetings via teleconferencing, and to make public meetings accessible telephonically or otherwise electronically to all members of the public seeking to observe and to address the local legislative body. Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, please be advised that some members of the Huntington Beach City Council and/or City staff may participate in this meeting telephonically or electronically. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/AUDIO/ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THIS MEETING: Pursuant to Executive N-29-20 and given the current health concerns, members of the public are encouraged to access this meeting virtually by following the instructions provided below. This meeting will be hosted as a Zoom meeting only and will not be recorded, streamed live, or broadcasted on cable television. The public may attend the virtual Zoom meeting by calling (669) 900-6833, and entering Webinar ID: 954 0473 3647 or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://huntingtonbeach.zoom.us/j/95404733647 PUBLIC COMMENTS INSTRUCTIONS: To ensure the public’s right to fully participate in providing meaningful public comments at this meeting of the Huntington Beach Community Services Commission: Submit written comments on agenda or non-agenda items to cgomez@surfcity-hb.org (reference Community Service Commission and the Agenda Item) by 2:00 PM the day of the meeting. Each person can submit one communication of 150 words or less. If you would like your e-comment read aloud at the meeting, you MUST indicate so in your email; otherwise all written communications will be forwarded to the Community Services Commission, but not read aloud, as received prior to the meeting. Page 1 of 7 Community Services MINUTES August 12, 2020 Commission CALL TO ORDER Chair Kreitz called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm at which time a quorum was met. ROLL CALL Carchio, Kemmerer, Kreitz, Mantini, Pike, Sterud, Thiel (excused) Staff in Attendance: Slama, Gomez, Bolourchi, Tennessen PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Commissioner Mantini PRESENTATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Resignation of Commissioner Michelle Schuetz. Slama announced the resignation of Commissioner Michelle Schuetz and thanked her for the services she provided to the community while sitting on the Community Services Commission. 2. Oath of Office - Gomez will administer the Oath of Office to new Commissioner, Rev. James Pike, appointed as representative for Council Member Mike Posey. Slama provided an introduction of Commissioner, Rev. James Pike, who was appointed by Council Member Posey to replace Michelle Schuetz as his representative on the Commission. Rev. Pike has been a generous partner of the City for several years and is a member of the Interfaith Council. Slama has worked with Rev. Pike on many occasions, including organizing aid to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. After the introduction, Gomez administered the Oath of Office and welcomed Commissioner Pike to the Community Services Commission. 3. Election of Chair and Vice Chair - The annual election of Chair and Vice Chair will be conducted. Chair Kreitz will oversee the election of Chair. Nominations for Chair will be accepted from the floor. After the Chair is elected, they will preside over the remainder of the Commission meeting, beginning with the election of Vice Chair. Chair Kreitz led the election proceedings, calling for nominations from the floor for the position of Chair. Motion: Carchio moved to elect Kreitz to another term as Chair. Mantini seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0 (Thiel absent) Page 2 of 7 Community Services MINUTES August 12, 2020 Commission Motion: Kreitz moved to elect Mantini as Vice-Chair. Kemmerer seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0 (Thiel absent) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Request approval of Community Services Commission meeting minutes for February 12, 2020. Due to abstentions from Kreitz, Carchio, and Pike, and the absence of Thiel, approval of the February 12, 2020 minutes will be held over to the next Commission meeting. STUDY SESSION ITEM 1. Huntington Central Park Playground Equipment - Staff will provide an overview of information regarding the new playground equipment proposed for the west side of Central Park, located near the Dog Park. Staff is seeking input from the Commission and the public, prior to a request for formal action. A request for approval by the Commission will be made at a future Commission meeting. Slama provided an overview of the item saying that there are two play lots at Huntington Central Park that were on the play equipment replacement list previously approved by Commission. The design by Dave Bang Associates, Inc. meets community interest as a specialized, flagship playground in the City by joining the two play areas that are in close proximity to each other. The design is a forward thinking project that introduces an inclusive play area with an emphasis on developing cognitive and motor skills in youth 2-12 years of age. The design includes various climbing apparatus, a small zip line, a fossil dig sand pit, swings, seesaw, and other rope and balancing challenges. The project is anticipated to take 4-6 months for completion. Project construction cost is estimated at $1,324,000. Discussion followed on safety, material durability, potential vandalism and the use of security cameras. Slama described the construction of the rope material saying it contains metal wire strands that are wrapped by other wire and a final wrap of a durable outer material. Slama further stated that staff had presented the same questions to Dave Bang Associates on durability. Staff was assured that the material is very durable. The designer also provided examples of similar play equipment in other cities and the positive feedback received from those communities. The equipment meets all safety and ADA regulations. Discussion moved to the pros and cons of security cameras, with Chair Kreitz requesting that the Community Services Commission's concerns on safety and vandalism in the parks be noted. In conclusion, Commissioner's comments were favorable, including the idea that physical therapists may consider using the equipment in their sessions with special needs youth. Page 3 of 7 Community Services MINUTES August 12, 2020 Commission No action is required at this time by the Commission. This item was agendized as a study session item only. Action will be requested at a future date. DIRECTOR'S ITEMS - Not Agendized Slama provided updates on the Community Services Department. There are two new managers, who will be introduced at the September meeting and provide reports on their respective divisions. Slama also mentioned that there would be a need to discuss sub-committees at a future meeting. Slama provided a brief update on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the Department. There have been several events, facility rentals, and classes cancelled. Although there have been some negatives during this time, a positive is that staff has been extremely busy completing several exciting projects, and has continued to assist the community in very creative ways. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS - None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 – Community Services staff will provide an overview and update of CIP projects for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget period and the City Council approved CIP projects list for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Slama provided an update on the 2019-2020 completed Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Completed projects included: Murdy Park Sports Park and Community Center- new bocce ball courts are well used. Have been able to host some summer day camps at the newly renovated facility in accordance with state guidelines for the Covid-19 pandemic. Once orders for gatherings are lifted, a rededication will be planned. Huntington Central Park Restrooms - 3 of 6 restrooms have been completed. The fourth location near Kathy May's Lakeside Cafe is under construction. Eader Park Play Equipment - replaced with all-inclusive, ADA compliant equipment. Irby Park Trail - the passive trail was connected to the playground. Bartlett Park Trail - in the final stages of design of the trail loop. Newland House Museum Exterior Improvements - repair of porch/stairs, and exterior paint. Page 4 of 7 Community Services MINUTES August 12, 2020 Commission Huntington Central Park Sports Complex Turf Fields - originally 4 artificial fields needed replacement. The final field was replaced in the last fiscal budget period. Update on the 2020-2021 CIP projects as approved by City Council include: Bluff Top Park Trail Improvements - a 3-phase project includes pathway, guardrail, stairs leading down to the beach, and irrigation and landscaping. Rodgers Seniors' Center Site Redevelopment (Multi-year phased) - Council approved master plan. Going out to bid soon. Edison Community Center Building Improvements - Updates will be similar to Murdy Community Center. Prior to any park improvements, a geo-technical survey for the exterior will be completed, and input from the public conducted. Huntington Central Park Restrooms - final 3 units will be completed. Huntington Central Park Playground Equipment & Picnic Area - Design in process to repurpose the picnic area. Central Library Fountain Restoration - will be going out to bid for refurbishment. Bushard Park Play Equipment - on playground equipment list for replacement. Circle View Park Playground Equipment - updating and replacing with ADA and inclusive equipment. Harbour View Clubhouse Rehabilitation - next on the list for facility rehabilitation. Lake Park Clubhouse Restroom & Picnic Area - looking to update the restrooms and picnic area, along with pathway improvements. LeBard Park Improvements - City acquired property from the Huntington Beach City School District to be used by Seaview Little League. City Council has signed off on the developers improvements. Staff will now look at the city park area for improvements on equipment, walkways, irrigation and turf rehabilitation. Newland House/Barn Fencing - the wrought iron fencing requires replacement. Schroeder Park Improvements - Includes pathway improvements, lighting, play equipment and turf rehabilitation. Staff is looking to resubmit an application for this project in the next round of Proposition 68 grants. City Gym and Pool - Improvements include the re-plastering of the pool, a security system, and Page 5 of 7 Community Services MINUTES August 12, 2020 Commission interior improvements. Slama said that the Parks Master Plan is scheduled for review this year. The plan is a fluid document that is utilized in making decisions for changes and/or improvements at our parks and facilities. Commissioners raised questions about the Marion property, the Thomas property, the encyclopedia lots, the buildings at the Rodgers Seniors' Center site, and the State Park fund status due to the State's budgetary concern over the Covid-19 pandemic. Slama stated that the small building at the old Rodgers Seniors' Center site would be refurbished and the large building demolished. Slama also stated that the real estate issues concerning the property lots were in the hands of the City Attorney's Office. Mantini queried that staff arrange a presentation by a representative from the City Attorney's Office. Slama said staff would talk to the City Attorney for an update on these items. Slama also addressed the State Park fund budget saying that the City anticipates moving forward with the Bluff Top improvement as planned, utilizing funds appropriated by the State. COMMITTEE REPORTS - None MEMBER AND STAFF COMMENTS - Not Agendized Commissioners welcomed new Commissioner, Rev. James Pike. Commissioner Pike said it was a pleasure to be accepted to the Commission and thanked staff for their assistance, and wished Michelle Schuetz the best. Commissioner Kemmerer thanked staff for all the hard work on the completed and upcoming projects during the Covid crisis. Commissioner Mantini commented on the beauty of the Urban Forest. Chair Kreitz echoed Mantini's sentiments giving kudos to the volunteers who keep the space looking spectacular. Chair Kreitz also congratulated staff on being able to accomplish so many important projects during these challenging times. Page 6 of 7 Community Services MINUTES August 12, 2020 Commission ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was accepted from Commissioner Carchio. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 pm. ATTACHMENTS 1. Meeting minutes for February 12, 2020 2. Central Park Playground Presentation Handout 3. CIP Presentation Handout The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington Beach Community Services Commission is Thursday, September 10, 2020, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. Internet access to community service commission agenda and staff report material is available prior to the Community services commission meetings at http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov MEETING ASSISTANCE NOTICE: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, services are available to members of our community who require special assistance to participate in public meetings. If you require special assistance, 48-hour prior notification will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for an assisted listening device (ALD) for the hearing impaired, American Sign Language interpreters, a reader during the meeting and/or large print agendas. Please contact the Community Services Department at (714) 536-5434 for more information, or to request assistance from the staff at the meeting. Page 7 of 7